2009 Business Expo participation steady amid recession

The economy factored prominently in this year's planning for the 2009 Business Expo, presented Oct. 1 by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, but the recession doesn't seem to be hurting business participation.

Kristin Lochner, project coordinator at the chamber, said the six seminars planned for this year's event, to be held at the Springfield Exposition Center, were designed with the economic challenges in mind, and vendor rates of $485 for chamber members and $645 for nonmembers were held flat from last year.

Lochner said 193 vendors had registered for the expo as of Sept. 21, and because registrations will be taken until the day before the expo, it's reasonable to expect the number of vendors will approach last year's total of 204.

The seminars - four of which are sponsored by Manpower - will focus on issues relating to the economy, Lochner said.

"They'll discuss everything from retention and motivation during the recovery to creating an individual brand," she added. "It's beneficial for people who might be looking for a job or the employer who is looking to survive the economy."

Networking newcomer

Linda Bamber's company, BRAS - Breast Research Awareness and Support - will be among first-time vendors at the expo, because she thought the event would be a good opportunity to let the community know what her company offers.

BRAS provides thermographic screening for potential breast health issues, and Bamber said the process is akin to having a photo taken and, unlike mammograms, does not cause discomfort. Digital images reveal heat differences within the breast. Bamber said inflamed tissue, such as that found in a cyst or tumor, creates a higher heat signature on the images, which can aid in detecting health problems including cancer, benign tumors and other issues.

She stressed that thermography is not a replacement for mammograms, but it is another tool that can detect potential health issues.

Since its 2008 beginning, BRAS has opened offices in Tulsa, Okla., Kansas City and St. Louis, in addition to its Springfield site at 3550 N. Glenstone Ave., Ste. C.

Bamber will offer literature about her company's services at the expo, as well as information about franchising opportunities, which she created after fielding multiple requests.

Since posting franchising options on her Web site, www.breastresearchawareness.com, one month ago, she has answered almost 60 requests for more information, she said.

Continued participation

Among familiar vendors returning to the business expo is Springfield-based accounting firm BKD LLP.

Participating in the event annually is a given, said Marci Bowling, business development executive with the firm.

"It is just an extended opportunity for us as a chamber member to see current clients, but then also to network with prospective clients and other community leaders," Bowling said.

She said the accounting firm will hand out plastic cups that change color when exposed to cold temperatures, and as with last year, they'll be filled with tea from McAlister's Deli.

It's just another way to reach out to prospective or existing clients, she said. And the reusable cups fit in with BKD's philosophy regarding environmentally sound practices.

The company is proud of its new downtown Springfield building, which is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

"The firm has taken a stance that sustainable building is important for the future and that's something everybody should be aware of," Bowling said.

The chamber's Lochner said there are many benefits for all companies participating in the expo.

"It's the largest business-to-business networking expo, so it's a great opportunity for a business to spend just one solid day networking with the other exhibitors or to be able to invite their clients to the expo and to meet them that way," she said.